Scenes from Victoria, British Columbia

July 6th, 2011

We left Juneau, Alaska by ferry and spent the next three days cruising down the inner passage toward Vancouver Island.  There were many great sights along the way.  After arriving at Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, we rode to the Southern tip of the island to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.  The above picture was taken in the Inner Harbour of Victoria with The Fairmont Empress Hotel in the background.

I took this picture while still on the ferry.  For more information about our passage, check out David’s blog.  We met a delightful young couple from Tours, France who are riding their motorcycle from Canada through the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America before returning home a year later to France.  They are stopping for a visit at Lake Lure near the end of this month.

The Inner Harbour in Victoria is a busy scene.

All of us in front of the Parliment Building built in 1897.

Our evening stroll coincided with the arrival of a group of Prom attendees at the Empress hotel.  The bright gowns made a vivid mark on the beautifully landscaped lawn.

We loved seeing a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman amongst the group.

How brilliant to have Prius taxi cabs. 

We had dinner at Nautical Nellies, a harbour landmark.  I loved the crabcakes with peach and sweet pepper chutneys.  The filo crisps, olive oil and balsamic vinegar were a nice added touch.  I must remember this presentation.

David had their paella with halibut, salmon, scallops, shrimp, chorizo sausage with peppers and onions in a spicy creole rice, garnished with steamed clams.

Our accomodations for the two nights we were in Victoria were at Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast.  It is located within walking distance of the harbour.  The breakfasts were enormous and delicious.

I had already dug into my pancakes before I remembered to take a picture.

“Ah, Excuse me Dave.  Let me get a shot of that before you eat it.  Thank you.”

After our “way too much but delicious” breakfast we again boarded a ferry and left the Victoria Harbour for Port Angeles, Washington.  I had no idea of what awaited us at Crippen Creek.  It was a gourmet delight.

12 responses to “Scenes from Victoria, British Columbia”

  1. Lyla says:

    Sheer beauty. Again, thanks for taking us along. You packed three months of travel into a few weeks. Are you in bed with a good book? Hope so

  2. It looks like a lovely time Penny. So beautiful there and the food looked delicious!
    xo
    Penny

  3. inag says:

    So glad you enjoyed our fair city Penny! Having been born and raised here – I have never wanted to leave, except maybe to Salt Spring Island. If you ever get the opportunity to visit again Salt Spring Island is delightful! 🙂

  4. What a beautiful trip! So glad y’all had a wonderful time & welcome home.

  5. Lorrie says:

    I came over to your blog from Pondside’s. Victoria is a beautiful city. We lived there until a year ago, now we’re two hours north, in Parksville. You will have passed by on your trip from Port Hardy.

    I read a bit of your husband’s blog and was caught by the mention of the Haines to Haines bicycle race. Our daughter and son-in-law were in that race – and they are also from Victoria. Blogging leads to all sorts of paths crossing, doesn’t it?

  6. bellini says:

    Victoria is one of my favourite Canadian cities. When dad found out that the rotal couple were not travelling to British Columbia he stated that it is the most beautiful city in Canada. It is definitey pretty there espcially with all of the hydrangea in bloom.

  7. FOODalogue says:

    I’ve been wanting to go to British Columbia for a while so this post really whetted my appetite…so did that yummy looking food!

  8. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Victoria and now you’ve confirmed them. Fabulous trip and fabulous food Penny.
    Sam

  9. Big Dude says:

    I’m really enjoying your trip.

  10. Pondside says:

    I love seeing our city through a traveler’s eye. So glad you had a good visit! You know, summer arrived this week – I wish it had come in time for your visit.

  11. Barbara says:

    You’re having a lovely trip, Penny, and I thank you for taking us along! I’m loving the photos.

  12. Kristin says:

    I absolutely love BC. I’ve only been there 3 times but it’s amazing and I love it every time.

    Egg benedict is my FAV! That looks amazing. It definitely looks as though you ate well!

© Penny Klett, Lake Lure Cottage Kitchen. All rights reserved.